Transport container

ABSTRACT

A transport container for carrying one or more generally planar objects having a base configured to support the one or more generally planar objects. First and second side walls are removably coupled to opposing ends of the base. The first and second side walls are movable substantially along a first axis between an extended position and a contracted position. The first side wall is spaced from the second side wall by a first distance when the first and second side walls are in the extended position and by a second distance when the first and second side walls are in the contracted position. The first and second side walls are movable substantially along a second axis between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The first and second side walls have a first height in the deployed position and a second height different than the first height in the collapsed position.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to transport containers and,more particularly, to transport containers for planar objects, such assolar or photovoltaic (PV) panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Planar objects, like solar panels, may be stored or shipped in variouscontainers. For example, such objects may be stacked together, strappedon a shipping pallet, and shipped to an installation site. At least someknown containers do not adequately protect solar panels inside thecontainer during storage or transit. As a result, the solar panels maybecome scratched, bent, or broken, causing additional costs and delaysin installation while replacement solar panels are sent to the job site.

Additionally, on various job sites, the solar panels are removed fromthe container as they are needed. However, because the solar panels arestaked or arranged from one end of the container to the other, as solarpanels are removed from at least some known containers, the remainingpanels can fall or slip down the container side wall, which may resultin scratching or damaging the panel surface.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a transport container for carrying one or more generallyplanar objects comprises a base configured to support the one or moregenerally planar objects. First and second side walls are removablycoupled to opposing ends of the base. The first and second side wallsare movable substantially along a first axis between an extendedposition and a contracted position. The first side wall is spaced fromthe second side wall by a first distance when the first and second sidewalls are in the extended position and by a second distance when thefirst and second side walls are in the contracted position. The seconddistance is different from the first distance. The first and second sidewalls are movable substantially along a second axis between a deployedposition and a collapsed position. The first and second side walls havea first height in the deployed position and a second height differentthan the first height in the collapsed position.

In another aspect, a transport container for carrying one or moregenerally planar objects comprises a base configured to support the oneor more generally planar objects. The base defines two or more discretepositions along a first axis. A first side wall is supported by thebase. A second side wall is moveable between the two or more discretepositions to be selectively supported at one of the two or more discretepositions in order to change a distance between the first and secondside walls to conform the distance to a dimension of the one or moregenerally planar objects. The first and second side walls are movablesubstantially along a second axis between a deployed position and acollapsed position. In the deployed position, the first and second sidewalls are substantially upright. In the collapsed position, the firstand second side walls lay substantially flat on the base.

In another aspect, a method of conforming a transport container thatcarries one or more generally planar objects to a dimension of the oneor more generally planar objects comprises moving first and second sidewalls from a collapsed position in which the first and second side wallslie substantially flat on a base to a deployed position in which thefirst and second side walls are substantially upright and are supportedby the base. The method further includes removing one or both of thefirst and second side walls from a first position on the base andreattaching said one or both of the first and second side walls at asecond position on the base different than the first position such thata distance between the first and second side walls conforms to thedimension of the one or more generally planar objects.

Other objects and features of the disclosure with be in part apparentand in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport container of the presentdisclosure, with side walls of the transport container in an extendedposition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transport container, with the firstand second side walls in a contracted position;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of a base of the transportcontainer;

FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the base;

FIG. 5 is a front side perspective view of one of the side walls of thetransport container;

FIG. 6 is a back side perspective view of the side wall;

FIG. 7 is a detailed front side view showing the connection of the sidewall to the base;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the transport container;

FIG. 9 is a detailed front side view of the side wall spaced apart fromthe base, with a brace of the side wall hidden from view;

FIG. 10 is a front side perspective view of a brace of the transportcontainer;

FIG. 11 is a rear side perspective view of the brace;

FIG. 12 is detailed perspective view showing the engagement of the bracewith the base;

FIG. 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the engagement of thebrace with the base;

FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the brace attached to the sidewall;

FIG. 15 is a front side perspective view of a retainer of the transportcontainer;

FIG. 16 is a rear side perspective view of the retainer;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the transport container with the firstand second side wall sin a collapsed position;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 19-19 of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 21 is a partially exploded perspective view of ramps and the baseof the transport container.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a transport container and,more particularly, to a transport container for planar objects, such assolar or photovoltaic (PV) panels. The transport container describedherein can be expanded to fit different sizes of solar panels. Thetransport container includes side walls to adequately protect the solarpanels and supports to prevent the solar panels from falling. Thetransport container can be collapsed for convenient storage after thesolar panels have been unloaded from the container. It is understood thetransport container can be used to support and transport other objects,besides solar panels.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , one example of a transport container or palletconstructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure isgenerally indicated at reference numeral 10. The transport container 10may be used to carry and transport one or more objects O. In particular,the transport container 10 may be used to carry one or more generallyplanar objects O, such as panels, sheets, boards, etc. In some examples,the objects O are solar panels (e.g., panels). However, it is understoodthe transport container 10 may be used to transport objects O ofgenerally any size and shape.

The transport container 10 includes a platform or base 12 (broadly, baseassembly) and opposing first and second side walls 14, 16 (e.g., firstand second side wall assemblies) supported by the base 12. The first andsecond side walls 14, 16 are removably connected or coupled opposingends (broadly, end portions) of the base 12. FIGS. 1 and 2 show thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 in a deployed position. In thedeployed position, the first and second side wall 14, 16 are erected onthe base 12. The first and second side walls 14, 16 may be moved to acollapsed position, shown in FIG. 17 . In the collapsed position, thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 lay flat on the base 12. The base 12is configured to support the one or more generally planar objects O. Thebase 12 includes an upper surface 18 (shown in FIG. 3 ) configured toengage and support the one or more generally planar objects O and anopposing lower surface 20 (shown in FIG. 4 ). The base 12 has opposingfirst and second ends 22, 24 with a first or longitudinal axis LAextending between the first and second ends 22, 24. The base 12 includesopposite first and second rails 29, 31 that are generally parallel tothe longitudinal axis LA. The first rail 29 extends along the first sideof the base 12 between the first and second end 22, 24 and the secondrail 31 extends along the second side of the base 12 between the firstand second ends 22, 24. The first and second rails 29, 31 extend upwardfrom the upper surface 18. The first and second rails 29, 31 help keepthe planar objects O on the base 12.

The base 12 may define one or more forklift channels 23. Each forkliftchannel 23 may be sized and shaped, for example, to receive a fork ortine of a forklift, a pallet jack, or other suitable lifting device (notshown) to enable the lifting device to lift and move the transportcontainer 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each forklift channel 23extends generally perpendicular (e.g., laterally) to the longitudinalaxis LA. Alternatively, one or more forklift channels 23 may extend inany other direction that enables the transport container 10 to functionas described herein.

The base 12 may include one or more reinforcing members 25 forstrengthening the base 12 and enabling the transport container 10 tocarry heavier loads. The one or more reinforcing members 25 extendbetween first end 22 and second end 24. The one or more reinforcingmembers extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The base12 (e.g., a platform thereof) includes one or more reinforcing channelsextending in or through the base 12, each reinforcing channel sized andshaped to receive one of the reinforcing members 25. The base 12includes end caps 27 at each end of the reinforcing channel, closing anend of the reinforcing channel to secure the reinforcing member 25therein. The reinforcing members 25 facilitate the transfer of loadsfrom the ends of the base 12 to or toward the middle of the base 12 towhere the forklift channels 23 are located. This ensures that when thebase 12 is picked up by the forks of a forklift, the base 12, via thereinforcing members 25, can carry the load of the objects O supportedthereon and does not collapse under the weight of the objects O. Thebase 12 may be of a sufficient length that the reinforcing members 25are necessary to ensure the ends 22, 24 of the base 12 are sufficientlysupported and can carry the load of the objects O when the base 12 ispicked up, such as by a forklift. In some examples, the base 12 (andside walls 14, 16) is made of plastic (e.g., molded plastic) and thereinforcing members 25 are made of metal. For example, the reinforcingmembers 25 may be steel members such as rods, bars, square tubing,circular tubing, etc. In some examples, the reinforcing members 25 inthe base 12 are pre-stressed, further strengthening the base 12. In someexamples, the transport container 10 (e.g., base 12) with thereinforcement members 25 can carry up to about 2,700 pounds (about 1,225kilograms).

In one method of assembly, the reinforcing channels of the base 12 areconstructed to be curved (e.g., about an axis that is generally parallelto the upper or lower surface 18, 20 and generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis LA). To insert the reinforcing member 25 into thereinforcing channel, the base 12 is bent to substantially straighten thecurved reinforcing channel to permit the reinforcing member 25 to beinserted (e.g., slid) into the channel through the open end. In oneexample, the base 12 is bent or deflected about 1-1.5 inches (about2.5-3.8 centimeters). After the reinforcing member 25 is inserted intothe reinforcing channel, the tool bending the base 12 is released,allowing the base 12 to return to its unbent or undeflected state. Asthe base 12 returns to the to its undeflected state, material of thebase 12 stresses (e.g., bends) the reinforcing member 25 (e.g., thereinforcing member 25 becomes pre-stressed before a load is placed onthe base 12). In some examples, the reinforcing member 25 is insertedinto the reinforcing channel after (e.g., immediately after) the base 12exits an injection molding machine (e.g., while the base 12 is warm),making it easier to bend the base 12. Further, inserting thereinforcement member 25 while the base 12 is still cooling down from themolding process, results in the plastic material of the base 12constricting around the reinforcing member 25 as the plastic materialcools, further securing the reinforcing member to the base 12.

The size of the transport container 10 is selectively configurable tofit the size and shape of the one or more objects O the transportcontainer 10 is carrying. In particular, a width of the transportcontainer 10 (e.g., a distance between the first and second side walls14, 16) is selectively adjustable to fit a dimension, such as the width,length or height, of the one or more objects O. Broadly, at least one ofthe first and second side walls 14, 16 is movable relative to the otherof the first and second side wall 14, 16 (and relative to the base 12)to change a distance (e.g., width) between the first and second sidewalls 14, 16 to conform or match the distance to a dimension (e.g.,length) of the one or more objects O. In the illustrated embodiment,both the first and second side walls 14, 16 are movable.

The first and second side walls 14, 16 may be moved between an extendedposition (generally shown in FIG. 1 ) and a contracted position(generally shown in FIG. 2 ). Broadly, the extended and contractedpositions are different (e.g., first and second) longitudinal positions,with the extended position being any position outward of a contractedposition. To move between the extended and contracted positions, thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 move substantially along thelongitudinal axis LA. The first side wall 14 is spaced from the secondside wall 16 by a first distance D1 (shown in FIG. 1 ) when the firstand second side walls 14, 16 are in the extended position and by asecond distance D2 (shown in FIG. 2 ) when the first and second sidewalls 14, 16 are in the contracted position. The second distance D2 isdifferent than the first distance D1. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond distance D2 is less than the first distance D1. In otherembodiments or methods of use, the second distance D2 may be more thanthe first distance D1. The first distance D1 is the maximum distance thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 can be separated when coupled to thebase 12 and the second distance D2 is the minimum distance the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 can be separated when coupled the base 12. Thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 are selectively movable to aplurality of different longitudinal positions and, thus, other distancesare possible (e.g., a third distance, a fourth distance, etc.). Forexample, the first and second side walls 14, 16 are movable between aplurality of different positions (e.g., a plurality of intermediatepositions) between the contracted and extended positions, and therebyhave a plurality of different distances. In this manner, the transportcontainer 10 may be arranged to fit the size or dimension of a pluralityof different objects O. Moreover, by arranging the transport container10 to conform or fit the size of the objects O supported thereon, thetransport container 10 may better protect and carry the objects.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second side walls214, 216 are removably couplable to the base 12 in one of the contractedposition or the extended position (broadly, a plurality of differentpositions). The first and second side walls 14, 16 move in oppositedirections when moving between the extended position and the contractedposition. For example, the first and second side walls 14, 16 moveoutward (e.g., away from the center of the base 12) along or parallel tothe longitudinal axis LA to increase the distance between the first andsecond side walls 14, 16. In another example, the first and second sidewalls 14, 16 move inward (e.g., toward the center of the base 12) alongor parallel to the longitudinal axis LA to decrease the distance betweenthe first and second side walls 14, 16. In some examples, the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 move outward toward the extended position(e.g., to the first distance D1) from the contracted position and moveinward toward the contracted position (e.g., to the second distance D2)from the extended position. The first and second side walls 14, 16 areindependently movable relative to each other. For example, the firstside wall 14 can move between the extended and contracted positionswhile the second side wall 16 remains in place.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9 , in the illustrated embodiment, the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 are similar or generally identical to eachother (e.g., the first and second side walls 14, 16 are mirror images ofeach other). Accordingly, the first side wall 14 will be described infurther detail herein with the understanding that the second side wall16 has essentially a similar or the same construction. Thus,descriptions regarding the first side wall 14 generally apply to thesecond side wall 16 as well. The first side wall 14 includes opposingupper and lower ends 26, 28, opposing front and rear sides 30, 32, andopposing interior and exterior faces or sides 34, 36. The interior side34 faces the second side wall 16 when the first and second side walls14, 16 are in the deployed position. In this position, the lower end 28of the first side wall 14 abuts and is supported by the base 12.

The first side wall 14 is releasably coupled to the base 12. The firstside wall 14 is movable between two or more discrete positions(positioned along the longitudinal axis LA) to be selectively supportedat one of the two or more discrete positions in order to change thedistance between the first and second side walls 14, 16 to conform thedistance to the planar objects O (e.g., a dimension thereof). Forexample, the first side wall 14 may be moved relative to (e.g., on oralong) the base 12 between the extended position, the contractedposition, and one or more intermediate positions. The first side wall 14includes at least one post 48 configured to engage the base 12 when thefirst side wall 14 is at one of the discrete longitudinal positions. Forexample, a first post 48 may be adjacent the front side 30, and/or asecond post 48 may be adjacent the rear side 32. Each post 48 extendsdownward from the lower end 28 of the first side wall 14. In theillustrated example, each post 48 includes ribs 49 extending alongrespective front and rear sides of the post.

The base 12 defines the two or more discrete positions. The base 12includes a plurality of receivers 50 (shown in FIG. 7 ) for use incoupling to the first side wall 14 (and, accordingly, for coupling tothe second side wall 16 as well). For example, each receiver 50 may beconfigured to receive one of the posts 48. The receivers 50 may bespaced longitudinally along the base 12 at the discrete increments suchthat each receiver 50 defines one discrete longitudinal position. Forexample, one of the receivers 50 (e.g., an extended position receiver)may define the discrete position associated with the extended position,one of the receivers 50 (e.g., a contracted position receiver) maydefine the discrete position associated with the contracted position,and one of the receivers 50 (e.g., an intermediate position receiver)may define one of the one or more intermediate positions. In theillustrated embodiment, the outermost receiver 50 (e.g., the receiver 50closest to the first end 22 of the base 12) is the extended positionreceiver, the inner most receiver 50 (e.g., the receiver 50 closest tothe middle of the base 12) is the contracted position receiver, and thereceivers 50 disposed between the contracted and extended positionreceivers 50 are the intermediate position receivers 50. In someexamples, the receivers 50 are spaced apart by discrete increments ofabout 2.0 inches (5.1 centimeters), although other distances are withinthe scope of the present disclosure. Each receiver 50 may include (e.g.,define) a post recess sized and shaped to receive the post 48 (includingribs 49 in some examples) to position the first side wall 14 at thediscrete longitudinal position defined by the receiver 50 (when thefirst side wall 14 is in the deployed position). The post recess of eachreceiver 50 extends generally downward from the upper surface 18 of thebase 12. In some examples, the base 12 includes at least one set ofreceivers 50 for each post 48 of the first side wall 14. For example, inthe illustrated embodiment, the base 12 includes a first set ofreceivers 50 corresponding to the first post 48 adjacent the front sideof the base 12 and a second set of receivers 50 corresponding to thesecond post 48 adjacent the rear side of the base 12. Each set ofreceivers 50 may include a respective plurality of receivers 50including an extended position receiver 50, a contracted positionreceiver 50, and/or one or more intermediate position receivers 50. Asillustrated, the base 12 includes receivers 50 for the second side wall16 that are generally identical (e.g., mirror image thereof) to thereceivers 50 for the first side wall 14. Thus, the descriptionsregarding the receivers 50 for the first side wall 14 also apply to thereceivers 50 for the second side wall 16.

The first side wall 14 is selectively coupled to at least one of thereceivers 50 when the first side wall 14 is coupled to the base 12 inthe deployed position. For example, the first side wall 14 is coupled tothe extended position receiver 50 when the first side wall 14 is coupledto the base 12 in the extended position and to the contracted positionreceiver 50 when the first side wall is coupled to the base 12 in thecontracted position. Specifically, the first post 48 of the first sidewall 14 is selectively disposed in the extended position receiver 50 ofone set when the first side wall 14 is coupled to the base 12 in theextended position and in the contracted position receiver 50 of the sameset when the first side wall 14 is coupled to the base 12 in thecontracted position. Likewise, the second post 48 of the first side wall14 is selectively disposed in the extended position receiver 50 of theother set when the first side wall 14 is coupled to the base 12 in theextended position and in the contracted position receiver 50 of saidother set when the first side wall 14 is coupled to the base 12 in thecontracted position. In a similar manner, the first side wall 14 iscoupled to one of the intermediate receivers 50 when the first side wall14 is coupled to the base 12 at one of the intermediate positions.Specifically, the first post 48 of the first side wall 14 is selectivelydisposed in one of the intermediate position receivers 50 of one setwhen the first side wall 14 is coupled to the base 12 in one of theintermediate positions. Likewise, the second post 48 of the first sidewall 14 is selectively disposed in one of the intermediate positionreceivers 50 of the other set when the first side wall 14 is coupled tothe base 12 in the one of the intermediate positions.

Referring to FIGS. 10-16 , the transport container 10 includes at leastone brace 52 configured to secure the first side wall 14 in the deployedposition. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport container 10includes two braces 52 for securing the first side wall 14 in thedeployed position. The two braces 52 are similar or generally identical(e.g., the braces 52 are mirror images of each other). Accordingly, theone brace 52 will be described in further detail herein with theunderstanding that the other brace 52 has essentially a similar or thesame construction. Thus, descriptions regarding one brace 52 generallyapply to the other brace 52 as well. The brace 52 is elongate andincludes opposing first and second end portions 54, 56 (e.g., wall andbase end portions, respectively). The wall end portion 54 is coupled tothe first side wall 14. In particular, the wall end portion 54 of thebrace 52 is movably (e.g., rotatably) coupled the first side wall 14.The wall end portion 54 of the brace 52 defines a shaft opening throughwhich a shaft 58 (shown in FIG. 14 ) of the first side wall 14 extendsto rotatably couple the brace 52 to the first side wall 14. Thismovement allows the brace 52 to move between a bracing position (shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a stowed position (shown in FIG. 17 ). Inaddition, because the brace 52 is coupled to the first side wall 14, thebrace 52 moves with the first side wall 14 (e.g., substantially alongthe longitudinal axis LA) as the first side wall 14 moves between thedifferent positions (e.g., between the extended position and thecontracted position).

In the bracing position, the brace 52 secures the first side wall 14 inthe deployed position. In other words, the first side wall 14 isrestricted from moving between the collapsed position and the deployedposition. Specifically, the brace 52 engages the base 212 in the bracingposition to secure the first side wall 14 in the deployed position. Thebase end portion 56 is configured to be releasably attached to the base12. The base end portion 56 includes at least one brace interconnectionmember 60 configured to mate and connect with at least one baseinterconnection member 62 (shown in FIG. 52 ) of the base 12, or atleast a portion thereof. The engagement and mating between the braceinterconnection member 60 and the base interconnection member 62restricts or inhibits movement of the brace 52, and by extension thefirst side wall 14, relative to the base 12. Specifically, theinterconnection of the brace and base interconnection members 60, 62inhibits longitudinal movement and rotational movement about an axis(not shown) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA andgenerally parallel to the upper surface 18 of the brace 52 and the firstside wall 14. As a result, the brace 52 generally braces, strengthensand stiffens the first side wall 14 when the first side wall 14 is inthe deployed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the brace interconnection member 60includes a plurality of plurality of projections or fingers 64. Thefingers 64 are spaced apart from each other. The base interconnectionmember 62 is disposed on and extends longitudinally along a side (e.g.,a front side, a rear side) of the base 12. It is understood the base 12includes at least one base interconnection member 62 on the front sideand the rear side of the base 12 for engaging two braces 52,respectively, bracing the first side wall 14. The base interconnectionmember 62 defines a plurality of recesses 66. Each recess 66 is sizedand shaped to correspond to and receive one of the fingers 64 of thebrace 52, thereby restricting or inhibiting movement between the brace52 (and the first side wall 14) and the base 12. The recesses 66 of thebase interconnection member 62 are arranged longitudinally, in a linearmanner along the side of the base 12. The recesses 66 are arranged tocorrespond to the discrete positions the base 12 defined for the firstside wall 14 so that regardless of what longitudinal position the firstside wall 14 is in (e.g., extended position, contracted position, etc.),at least a portion of the recesses 66 are arranged to receive thefingers 64 of the brace 52. Accordingly, regardless of what discretelongitudinal position the first side wall 14 is in, the braceinterconnection member 60 of the brace 52 may be interconnected with atleast a portion of the base interconnection member 62 of the base 12 tosecure the first side wall 14 in the deployed position.

In the bracing position, the brace 52 extends from a side (e.g., frontside 30) of the first side wall 14 to a side (e.g., a front side) of thebase 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the brace 52 extends over theopen front or rear side of the transport container 10. Thus, the brace52 may act as an object support and is configured to restrict or inhibitthe one or more objects O from moving in at least one of a rearwarddirection or a forward direction. In other words, the brace 52 isconfigured to brace the one or more objects O to keep the objects O onthe transport container 10. The rearward and forward directions aregenerally opposite of one another and generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis LA. The brace 52 may provide lateral support (e.g.,generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA) to the one or moreobjects O on the transport container 10. For example, by extending overthe open front side of the transport container 10, the brace 52 maygenerally inhibit the one or more objects O from moving in the forwarddirection.

In the stowed position (as shown in FIG. 17 ), the brace 52 does notsecure the first side wall 14 in the deployed position. Accordingly,when the brace 52 is in the stowed position, the first side wall 14 isfree to move between the collapsed position and the deployed position.In the stowed position, the brace 52 may not engage the base 12 and bein a stored arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sidewall 14 defines a brace recess 68 (shown in FIG. 6 ). The brace recess68 is sized and shaped to receive the brace 52 when the brace 52 is inthe stowed position. In other words, in the stowed position, the brace52 is disposed in the brace recess 68. The brace recess 68 is disposedon the exterior side 36 of the first side wall 14. The first side wall14 may be configured to hold the brace 52 in the stowed position. Forexample, the first side wall 14 may form an interference fit with thebrace 52 (at least a portion thereof) to hold the first side wall 14 inthe stowed position.

The brace 52 rotates between the stowed position and the bracingposition about the shaft 58 of the first side wall 14. Referring toFIGS. 11-13, 15 and 16 , the brace 52 includes a retainer 70 (e.g., abrace retainer) configured to secure the brace 52 in the bracingposition. For example, the brace retainer 70 may restrict or inhibit thebrace 52 from moving or rotating about the shaft 58 between the stowedposition and the bracing position (e.g., inhibits the unintentionaldisconnection of the brace and base interconnection members 60, 62).

The brace retainer 70 is configured to engage the base 12 to secure thebrace 52 in the bracing position. In the illustrated embodiment, thebrace retainer 70 is generally a latch. The brace retainer 70 includes abody 72. The body 72 is mounted on and slidable relative to the brace52. A handle 73 extends outward from the body 72. The body 72 is movable(e.g., slidable) between a coupling position (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 )and a release position (not shown). Using the handle 73, a user maymanually move the body 72, such as from the coupling position to therelease position. The body 72 is configured to engage the base 12 in thecoupling position (when the brace 52 is in the bracing position). Thebody 72 includes a detent 74 that engages the base 12 when the braceretainer 70 is in the coupling position and the brace 52 is in thebracing position. In the illustrated embodiment, each rail 29, 31 of thebase 12 defines a channel 78 therein. The channel 78 is defined alongeach side of the base 12. The channel 78 faces upwardly and is generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis LA. When the brace retainer 70 is in acoupling position (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 ), the detent 74 of the body72 is disposed in or extended into one of the channels 78, therebysecuring the brace 52 in the bracing position. The engagement of thedetent 74 with the portion of the rail 29, 31 defining the channel 78restrict or inhibits rotation of the brace 52 about the shaft 58. Sincethe channel 78 is elongate and extends parallel to the longitudinal axisLA, the detent 74 may be inserted into the channel 78 to secure thebrace 52 in the bracing position, regardless of the longitudinalposition of the brace 52 and/or first side wall 14.

The brace retainer 70 is resiliently biased toward the couplingposition. The brace retainer 70 includes a spring 75. The spring 75resiliently biases the body 72 (e.g., detent 74) of the brace retainer70 toward the coupling position. One end of the spring 75 engages thebrace 52 and the opposite end of the spring 75 engages the body 72. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the brace retainer 70 is an integrallyformed, one-piece component. Accordingly, the body 72 and the spring 75are integrally-formed with each other. Other configurations are withinthe scope of the present disclosure. For example, the body 72 and thespring 75 can be separate components. To move the brace 52 from thebracing position to the stowed position, the brace retainer 70 is movedto the release position. To move the brace retainer 70 toward therelease position, the user uses the handle 73 to move or slide the braceretainer 70 away from the base 12 (e.g., substantially upward) to movethe detent 74 out of the channel 78. The brace retainer 70 is configuredto automatically move toward or to the release position when the brace52 is moved from the stowed position to the bracing position. The detent74 includes an angled surface or ramp 76. As the brace 52 is movedtoward the bracing position, the ramp 76 engages and slides along thebase 12, thereby pushing the brace retainer 70 toward the releaseposition as the brace 52 is moved closer to the bracing position. Thismoves the brace retainer 70 away from the base 12 until the detent 74can pass over the base 12 and/or rail 29, 31. Once the detent 74 becomesaligned with the channel 78, the spring 75 pushes the brace retainer 70into the coupling position, thereby pushing the detent 74 into thechannel 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the brace retainer 70 (e.g.body 72) includes a stop 71 that engages the brace 52 or a portionthereof to restrict or limit the movement of the brace retainer 70 awayfrom the coupling position (e.g., to position the brace retainer 70 inthe release position).

Referring to FIG. 14 , the brace 52 is configured to slide along theshaft 58 of the first side wall 14 as the brace moves between thebracing position and the stowed position. Generally, the brace 52 movesdownward along the shaft 58 to engage the base 12 and vertically alignthe brace interconnection member 60 with the base interconnection member62. By sliding the brace 52 along the shaft 58, the brace 52 is able tobe disposed within the first side wall 14 when the brace 52 is in thestowed position, providing a more compact configuration. The brace 52and the first side wall 14 include corresponding helical surfaces orramps 80 and 82, respectively. The helical ramps 80, 82 extend at leastpartially around the shaft 58. The helical ramps 80, 82 of therespective brace 52 and the first side wall 14 may engage each other asthe brace 52 is rotated between the stowed position and the bracingposition to facilitate rotation of the brace 52 about the shaft 58and/or to facilitate the sliding of the brace 52 along the shaft 58 tovertically position the brace 52 to engage the base 12 and verticallyalign the brace interconnection member 60 with the base interconnectionmember 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the helical ramp 80 of thebrace 52 is disposed toward the upper end of the opening in the brace 52through which the shaft 58 extends, with the helical ramp 82 of thefirst side wall 14 arranged accordingly. In another embodiment, inaddition to or instead of the helical ramp 80 of the brace 52, the brace52 may include a helical ramp (similar to helical ramp 80) toward thelower end of the opening in the brace 52 through which the shaft 58extends, with the first side wall 14 including a helical ramp (similarto helical ramp 82) arranged accordingly. Other configurations arewithin the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in someexamples, the transport container 210 may not include helical ramps 80,82.

Having described the features and elements of one brace 52, it isappreciated that the other braces 52 of the transport container 10includes these same features and elements, as indicated in the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the transport container 10 (e.g., the first sidewall 14) may include one or more adjustable object supports 84. Theadjustable object support 84 provides lateral support to the one or moreobjects O on the transport container 10. The adjustable object supports84 are movable between a stowed position (shown in FIG. 5 ) and asupport position (not shown). Further details of the adjustable objectsupports 84 and associated elements, including the associated elementsof the first side wall 14, can be found in U.S. application Ser. No.17/175,741, filed on Feb. 15, 2021.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first side wall 14 includes at leastone first stacking projection 91. The first stacking projection 91 isconfigured to engage the base 12 of a second transport container 10 (notshown) stacked on the first side wall 14 to restrict or inhibitlongitudinal movement of the second transport container 10 relative tothe first transport container 10. The first stacking projection 91extends generally upward from the upper end 26 of the first side wall14. Referring to FIG. 4 , the base 12 includes (e.g., defines) aplurality or set of stacking recesses 93. Each stacking recess 93extends generally upward from the lower surface 20 of the base 12. Eachstacking recess 93 is sized and shaped to receive a first stackingprojection 91 of another (e.g., second) transport container 10, when thesecond transport container 10 is stacked on the first transportcontainer 10. The first stacking projection 91 and the stacking recess93 may have generally any shape, as long as the shapes correspond to oneanother. The mating engagement between one of the stacking recesses 93of a second transport container 10 and the first stacking projection 91of the first transport container 10 facilitates the securement andaligning of the second transport container 10 on the first transportcontainer 10 when the second transport container 10 is stacked on thefirst transport container 10. Specifically, the mating engagementbetween one of the stacking recesses 93 of a second transport container10 and the first stacking projection 91 of the first transport container10 restricts or inhibits longitudinal movement of the two stackedtransport containers 10 relative to one another. Each set of stackingrecesses 93 may be arranged longitudinally in a linear manner along thebase 12. In some examples, the stacking recesses 93 are arranged tocorrespond to the discrete positions the base 12 defines for the firstside wall 14 so that regardless of what longitudinal position (e.g.,extended position, contracted position, etc.) the first side wall 14 ofthe lower transport container 10 is in, one of the stacking recesses 93of the upper transport container 10 is positioned to receive the firststacking projection 91 of the first side wall 14. Accordingly,regardless of what discrete longitudinal position the first side wall 14is in, the first side wall 14 of a first or lower transport container 10can be used to support and secure the base 12 of a second or uppertransport container 10 stacked thereon.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7 and 9 , the first side wall 14 includes first andsecond locators 38 (broadly, at least one locator). The locators 38 areconfigured to engage the base 12 to facilitate the positioning of thefirst side wall 14 in the deployed position and the collapsed position.The first locator 38 extends generally forward from the front side 30 ofthe first side wall 14 and the second locator 38 extend generallyrearward from the rear side 32 of the first side wall 14. When the firstside wall 14 is in the deployed position, the first locator 38 engagesor rests on the first rail 29 of the base 12 and the second locator 38engages or rests on second rail 31 of the base 12. The first and secondrails 29, 31 of the base 12 each define locator recesses 40 (shown inFIGS. 7 and 9 ). Each locator recess 40 is sized and shaped to receiveone of the locators 38. Each locator recess 40 extends generallydownward from an upper surface of its respective first or second rail29, 31. When the first side wall 14 is in the collapsed position, thefirst locator 38 is disposed in the locator recess 40 of the first rail29 (shown in FIG. 18 ) and the second locator 38 is disposed in thelocator recess 40 of the second rail 31. Positioning each locator 38 inits corresponding locator recess 40, positions and orients the firstside wall 14 on the base 12 when the first side wall 14 is in thecollapsed position. The reception of the locators 38 by the locatorrecesses 40 restricts or inhibits longitudinal movement of the firstside wall 14 relative to the base 12 when the first side wall 14 is inthe collapsed position to help keep the first side wall 14 on the base12.

Having described the features and elements of the first side wall 14, itis appreciated that the second side wall 16 includes these same featuresand elements, as indicated in the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20 and as mentioned above, the first and secondside walls 14, 16 are movable between a deployed position (shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a collapsed position (shown in FIG. 17 ). In thismanner, the transport container 10 may be moved between a deployedconfiguration and a collapsed configuration. In the deployed position,the first and second side walls 14, 16 are arranged to receive the oneor more objects O therebetween. The first and second side walls 14, 16are erected or generally upright when in the deployed position. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side walls14, 16 extend substantially perpendicular to the base 12 in the deployedposition. The first and second side walls 14, 16 can be in any one ofthe extended position, the contracted position, or the one or moreintermediate positions when in the deployed position. In the collapsedposition, the first and second side walls 14, 16 are arranged to reducethe overall size and shape of the transport container 10. The first andsecond side walls 14, 16 lay generally flat on the base 12 when in thecollapsed position. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 extend substantially parallel to thebase 12 in the collapsed position. The first and second side walls 14,16 are independently movable between the deployed position and thecollapsed position. The first and second side walls 14, 16 are movedsubstantially along a second or vertical axis (not shown) between thedeployed position and the collapsed position. The second axis issubstantially perpendicular to the upper surface 18 of the base 12 andis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA.

The transport container 10 has a first height H1 (shown in FIG. 1 ) whenthe first and second side walls 14, 16 are in the deployed position.Specifically, the first and second side walls 14, 16 have a first height(e.g., first wall height) WH1 (shown in FIG. 2 ) when in the deployedposition. The transport container 10 has a second height H2 (shown inFIG. 17 ) when the first and second side walls 14, 16 are in thecollapsed position. Specifically, the first and second side walls 14, 16have a second height (e.g., second wall height) WH2 (shown in FIG. 17 )when in the collapsed position. The second height H2 of the transportcontainer 10 is different than the first height H1 of the transportcontainer 10, and the second wall height WH2 is different than the firstwall height WH1. In particular, the second height H2 of the transportcontainer 10 is less than the first height H1, and the second wallheight WH2 is less than the first wall height WH1. Placing the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 in the collapsed position makes it easier totransport the transport container 10 when the transport container 10 isempty (e.g., when no objects O are on the base 12) and to pack severaltransport containers 10 together and return them after the transportcontainers 10 have been used to deliver the one or more objects O.

In the collapsed position, the first and second side walls 14, 16 extendin a substantially horizontal direction. In this position, the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 lay generally flat on and/or overlies the base12. The interior side 34 of each side wall 14, 16 faces and/or engagesthe upper surface 18 of the base 12. In the collapsed position, aportion of each of the first and second side walls 14, 16 is disposedbetween the first and second rails 29, 31, with the front and rear sides30, 32 of each side wall 14, 16 overlying and/or engaging the respectivefirst and second rails 29, 31. Positioning a portion of the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 between the first and second rails 29, 31facilitates the positioning and orienting of the side walls 14, 16 onthe base 12 in the collapsed position and restricts or inhibits lateralmovement of the first and second side walls 14, 16 relative to the base12. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end of the posts 48 of thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 are substantially aligned with therespective ends 22, 24 of the base 12 when in the collapsed position.The arrangement of the first and second side walls 14, 16 in thecollapsed position forms a relatively wide platform to support anothertransport container 10, such as one in the collapsed configuration,stacked thereon (not shown).

The first and second side walls 14, 16 each include first and secondretainers 70 (e.g., side wall retainers). The first and second retainers70 are generally identical to the retainers 70, described above, thatare part of the braces 52 and, thus, the descriptions herein regardingthe retainers 70 of the braces 52 apply to these first and secondretainers 70, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise. At least oneretainer 70 of each side wall 14, 16 is configured to engage the base 12to secure the respective side wall 14, 16 in the collapsed position. Forexample, the first retainer 70 of each side wall 14, 16 may be arrangedto engage the first rail 29, and/or the second retainer 70 of each sidewall 14, 16 may be arranged to engage the second rail 31. In thecoupling position, the detents 74 of the first and second retainers 70are disposed in or received by detent recesses 42 (shown in FIG. 20 )defined by the first and second rails 29, 31. The engagement of thedetent 74 with the portion of the rail 29, 31 defining the detent recess42 secures the respective side wall 14, 16 to the base 12 in thecollapsed position. As described above, the first and second retainers70 are biased in the coupling position by the springs 75. The first andsecond retainers 70 of each side wall 14, 16 are manually moved to therelease position, as described above, in order to move the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 from the collapsed position.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the transport container 10 may include first andsecond ramps 43. The first and second ramps 43 are releasably coupleableto the base 12. Each ramp 43 includes a post 46, similar to the posts 48of the first and second side walls 14, 16 that can be inserted into oneof the receivers 50 to couple the ramp 43 to the base. The ramps 43 makeit easier to load the planar objects O onto the base 12. When coupled tothe base 12, the ramps 43 provide a path for a cart or dolly carryingone or more planar objects O to be rolled up onto the base 12 to depositthe planar objects O on the base 12.

As is now apparent, the transport container 10 is movable between acollapsed configuration (shown in FIG. 17 ) and a deployed configuration(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In the collapsed configuration, the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 are in their collapsed positions and the braces52 are in their stowed positions. In the collapsed configuration,several transport containers 10 may be stacked on top of each other in arelatively compact manner so that the transport containers 10 may betransported or returned to the sender of the one or more objects 0. Inthe deployed configuration, the first and second side walls 14, 16 arein their deployed positions (e.g., extended position, contractedposition, intermediate position) and the braces 52 are in their bracingposition. The first and second side walls 14, 16 may be at generally anylongitudinal location relative to the base 12 to conform the transportcontainer 10 to the size of the one or more objects being carried. Forexample, the first and second side walls 14, 16 may be in the contractedposition, which generally corresponds to the second distance D2 (shownin FIG. 2 ), or the first and second side walls 14, 16 may be in theextended position, which generally corresponds to the first distance D1(shown in FIG. 1 ). For example, the first and second side walls 14, 16may be positioned to receive objects O, such as solar panels, having alength of about 65 inches (about 1.65 meters) (e.g., in the contractedposition) or about 77 inches (about 1.96 meters) (e.g., in the extendedposition), although other arrangements are within the scope of thepresent disclosure. When supported by the transport container 10, thelength (broadly, a dimension) of the one or more objects O is generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the transport container 10.

In operation, to collapse the transport container 10 from the deployedconfiguration, the operator moves the braces 52 to the stowed position.To move each brace 52, the user moves the brace retainer 70 to therelease position and then the brace 52 is moved (e.g., rotated) to thestowed position. After, the first and second side walls 14, 16 are movedupward or lifted up relative to the base 12 until the posts 48 are freeof the receivers 50 and then the side walls 14, 16 are laid down on thebase 12 in the collapsed position (shown in FIG. 17 ). As the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 are moved toward, the ramp 76 of the first andsecond retainers 70 engage and slide along the base 12 on respectiverails 29, 31, thereby pushing the retainers 70 toward the releaseposition as the side walls 14, 16 are moved closer to the collapsedposition. Once the detents 74 of the first and second retainers 70become aligned with their respective detent recess 42, the spring 75pushes the retainers 70 into the coupling position, thereby pushing thedetents 74 into the respective detent recesses 42, securing the sidewalls 14, 16 to the base 12.

To erect the transport container 10 to the deployed configuration fromthe collapsed configuration, the operator first releases the first andsecond side walls 14, 16 from the base 12 by moving the first and secondretainers 70 of each side wall 14, 16 to the release position. After thefirst and second side walls 14, 16 are released, the user moves or liftsthe side walls 14, 16 to align the posts 48 with the desired receivers50 (e.g., at the desired longitudinal position such as the extendedposition, contracted position, etc.) and then moves or lowers therespective first or second side walls 14, 16 toward the base 12 toinsert the posts 48 into the desired receivers 50. Erection of the firstand second side walls 14, 16 is completed when the lower end 28 of eachside wall 14, 16 abuts the base 12 and the locators 38 of each side wall14, 16 abut the base 12. After the first and second side walls 14, 16are in the upright position, the braces 52 are moved to bracingposition. The brace retainer 70 of each brace 52 is moved, via thespring 75 or manually, to the coupling position once the brace 52 is inthe bracing position to secure the brace 52 in the bracing position.After the transport container 10 is erected, one or more of theadjustable object supports 84 may be moved (before or after the objectsO are loaded into the transport container 10) for bracing the one ormore objects O supported by the transport container 10.

The first and second side walls 14, 16 can be moved between differentpositions to conform the distance between the first and second sidewalls 14, 16 to a dimension of the planar objects O. Once erected, tochange the distance between the first and second side walls 14, 16,first the brace retainers 70 are moved to the release position and theassociated braces 52 disengaged from the base 12. Afterwards, one orboth of the first and second side walls 14, 16 are removed from theirexisting position (e.g., a first position) on the base 12. The firstand/or second side walls 14, 16 are lifted upward, disconnecting orwithdrawing the posts 48 from the receivers 50. The first and/or secondside walls 14, 16 are then reattached to the base at a new position(e.g., a second position) on the base 12. This new position is differentthan the first position and is selected by the user so that the distancebetween the first and second side walls 14, 16 conforms to the dimensionof the planar objects O. To reattach the first and/or second side walls14, 16, one or each side wall 14, 16 (e.g., the posts 48 thereof) arealigned with the desired receivers 50 (e.g., at the desired secondposition) and then moved toward the base 12 to insert the posts 48 intothe desired receivers 50. The braces 52 are then reattached to the base12 as described above.

It is apparent and understood that the elements, features, and/orteachings set forth in each embodiment disclosed herein are not limitedto the specific embodiment(s) the elements, features, and/or teachingsare described in. Accordingly, it is apparent and understood that theelements, features, and/or teachings described in one embodiment may beapplied to one or more of the other embodiments disclosed herein. Forexample, it is understood that any of the transport containers disclosedherein can include the adjustable object supports 284 shown in FIGS.58-60 .

Various objects and advantages of the present disclosure is thusapparent from the description herein taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this disclosure are set forth. The drawingssubmitted herewith constitute a part of this specification, includeexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof.

Modifications and variations of the disclosed examples are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in theappended claims. For example, where specific dimensions are given, itwill be understood that they are exemplary only and other dimensions arepossible.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the example(s)thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”,“including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure,it is intended that all matter contained in the above description andshown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrativeand not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transport container for carrying one or moregenerally planar objects, the transport container comprising: a baseconfigured to support the one or more generally planar objects; andfirst and second side walls removably coupled to opposing ends of thebase, the first and second side walls movable substantially along afirst axis between an extended position and a contracted position, thefirst side wall spaced from the second side wall a first distance whenthe first and second side walls are in the extended position and asecond distance when the first and second side walls are in thecontracted position, the second distance different from the firstdistance; wherein the first and second side walls are movablesubstantially along a second axis between a deployed position and acollapsed position, the first and second side walls having a firstheight in the deployed position and a second height different than thefirst height in the collapsed position.
 2. The transport container ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second side walls are each removablycouplable to the base in one of the extended position or the contractedposition.
 3. The transport container of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond side walls move in opposite directions when moving between theextended position and the contracted position.
 4. The transportcontainer of claim 1, wherein the base includes a first extendedposition receiver and a first contracted position receiver, the firstside wall selectively coupled to the first extended position receiverwhen the first side wall is coupled to the base in the extended positionand to the first contracted position receiver when the first side wallis coupled to the base in the contracted position.
 5. The transportcontainer of claim 4, wherein the first side wall includes a postselectively disposed in the first extended position receiver when thefirst side wall is coupled to the base in the extended position and inthe first contracted position receiver when the first side wall iscoupled to the base in the contracted position.
 6. The transportcontainer of claim 4, wherein the base includes a second extendedposition receiver and a second contracted position receiver, the secondside wall selectively coupled to the second extended position receiverwhen the second side wall is coupled to the base in the extendedposition and to the second contracted position receiver when the secondside wall is coupled to the base in the contracted position.
 7. Thetransport container of claim 6, wherein the second side wall includes apost selectively disposed in the second extended position receiver whenthe second side wall is coupled to the base in the extended position andin the second contracted position receiver when the second side wall iscoupled to the base in the contracted position.
 8. The transportcontainer of claim 4, wherein the base includes one or more intermediatereceivers between the first extended position receiver and the firstcontracted position receiver, the first side wall selectively coupled toone of the one or more intermediate receivers when the first side wallis coupled to the base in an intermediate position between the extendedand contracted positions.
 9. The transport container of claim 1, whereinthe first and second side walls extend substantially perpendicular tothe base in the deployed position.
 10. The transport container of claim1, wherein the first and second side walls extend substantially parallelto the base in the collapsed position.
 11. The transport container ofclaim 1, further comprising first and second braces movable between abracing position and a stowed position, the first and second bracesengaging the base in the bracing position.
 12. The transport containerof claim 1, further comprising first and second braces each including aretainer configured to engage the base to secure the respective firstand second brace in a bracing position.
 13. The transport container ofclaim 12, wherein each retainer is resiliently biased toward a couplingposition, each retainer engaging the base when the respective retaineris in the coupling position and the respective first and second brace isin the bracing position.
 14. The transport container of claim 12,wherein each retainer includes a body configured to engage the base in acoupling position and a spring resiliently biasing the body toward thecoupling position, the body and the spring integrally formed with eachother.
 15. The transport container of claim 11, wherein the first andsecond braces move substantially along the first axis with the first andsecond side walls as the first and second side walls are moved betweenthe extended position and the contracted position.
 16. The transportcontainer of claim 1, further comprising a first brace configured tosecure the first side wall in the deployed position and a second braceconfigured to secure the second side wall in the deployed position. 17.The transport container of claim 1, further comprising first and secondbraces movable between a bracing position and a stowed position,wherein, when the first and second braces are in the bracing position,the first and second side walls are restricted from moving between thecollapsed position and the deployed position, and when the first andsecond braces are in the stowed position, the first and second sidewalls are free to move between the collapsed position and the deployedposition.
 18. The transport container of claim 1, further comprising atleast one ramp coupleable to the base.
 19. A transport container forcarrying one or more generally planar objects, the transport containercomprising: a base configured to support the one or more generallyplanar objects, the base defining two or more discrete positions along afirst axis; a first side wall supported by the base; a second side wallmoveable between the two or more discrete positions to be selectivelysupported at one of the two or more discrete positions in order tochange a distance between the first and second side walls to conform thedistance to a dimension of the one or more generally planar objects;wherein the first and second side walls are movable substantially alonga second axis between a deployed position and a collapsed position,wherein in the deployed position the first and second side walls aresubstantially upright and in the collapsed position the first and secondside walls lay substantially flat on the base.
 20. A method ofconforming a transport container that carries one or more generallyplanar objects to a dimension of the one or more generally planarobjects, the method comprising: moving first and second side walls froma collapsed position in which the first and second side walls liesubstantially flat on a base to a deployed position in which the firstand second side walls are substantially upright and are supported by thebase; removing one or both of the first and second side walls from afirst position on the base and; reattaching said one or both of thefirst and second side walls at a second position on the base differentthan the first position such that a distance between the first andsecond side walls conforms to the dimension of the one or more generallyplanar objects.